Description
Information from the artist's obituary: LAGUNA BEACH —
Samuel O. Schweitzer, an artist and calligrapher who fashioned scrolls for American presidents and the Queen of England, among others, has died at 93.
Named the city’s Citizen of the Year in 1989, Schweitzer gained fame locally as the “Laguna Scribe” for the ornate scrolls and certificates he produced for dignitaries, entertainers, local organizations and friends.
For years, Schweitzer also entertained children as the city’s Santa Claus during the holidays. The City Clerk, Verna Rollinger, a neighbor of Schweitzer and his wife, Eve, said Schweitzer remained active up until his death on Feb. 15, 1996.
Schweitzer was born Jan. 22, 1903, in Toledo, Ohio. He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art and moved in the 1940s to Los Angeles, where he pursued a career in commercial and advertising art.
He moved to Laguna Beach in 1972.
Schweitzer, who was tutored in calligraphy by the scribe for the Queen of England, taught calligraphy at Coastline Community College, the Art Institute of Laguna Beach and for the city’s Recreation Department. He also gave private lessons from his home studio.
Sometimes Schweitzer was commissioned to create scrolls or certificates, his wife said, and other times he produced them on a whim.
“He was a dreamer and an artist,”’ his wife said, remembering the day he decided to make a scroll commemorating the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Initially dubious his wife, Eve Schweitzer said she began sending letters to England and eventually security clearance was arranged and in 1984 they were received in Buckingham Palace by the Queen's Secretary.
Schweitzer also made scrolls for presidents Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and for entertainers Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante and Red Skelton.
Reserve: $400.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
SAM O. SCHWEITZER Mid Century original oil painting Woman Sweeping Spanish Villa
Estimate $500-$600
Starting Price
$200
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Shipping & Pickup DetailsItem located in: California, US $35 Shipping in the US
See More Items From This Chairish Auctions Seller
See More Items From This Chairish Auctions Seller
Ways to Pay on LiveAuctioneers
Wire Transfer (Bank Payment)
Meet the Auction House
10434
4.5
53701
Prints and Fine Art
Mar 19, 2026 11:00 AM EDTNew York, NY, United States
Featured
Featured
Related Items
TOP